2 weeks Ago
It’s true that age is just a number. But it’s also true that as that number goes up, so do the amount of changes that affect the body and mind and remind us that we’re not as young as we used to be. It may be disconcerting at first, trying to come to grips with the fact that the way you look on the outside doesn’t match the person you are on the inside.
It’s a weird feeling - going from having perfect vision for 40 years, and then realizing that you can’t read the menu in a dimly-lit restaurant. Instead of being in denial or avoiding taking care of these issues that can impact your health, the mature thing to do is to address your concerns matter-of-factly so you can continue living your best life. And we’re here to help you do just that.
By focusing on topics that pertain specifically to people over the age of 55, our articles are designed to educate, inform and keep our readers aware of the latest trends and local offerings that can benefit seniors and their families. This edition of Your Best Life addresses three common issues that happen as we get older: mental dexterity and memory loss, hip and knee replacement surgery, and the importance of staying connected to others. Experienced freelance writer Leslie Cardé emphasizes that keeping your brain healthy is essential for maintaining a high quality of life, especially into your 70s and 80s.
She unpacks the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s – two diseases that cause memory loss and cognitive impairment – and includes ways of lowering your risk of developing these mind-robbing disorders. One neurologist suggests challenging your brain every day, by doing crossword puzzles or taking a class to learn new things. On any given day in Charleston, you can find a way to flex your mental abilities, whether through trivia or music bingo or playing mahjong.
Moving from mental to physical challenges, the second article follows the journey of one man who had hip replacement surgery and the surgeons from Novant Health who made it possible. With more than 550,000 hip replacements are performed in the United States each year, the techniques and technologies used today are much more efficient and less invasive than in previous years. People don’t need to live in pain, and can feel more confident about the safety of the procedure and the shorter recovery time.
Local doctors strive to provide the highest level of care, and aim to transform lives by giving patients back their mobility and ability to stay active. Having strong legs and a good range of motion is important as you get older in order to maintain a healthy weight and combat obesity. For many seniors, weight-related issues prevent them from engaging with others, leading to loneliness and symptoms of depression.
Experts in the third article agree that staying connected is paramount for good health, and suggest finding activities that foster a sense of community and learning new skills. Whether you’ve lived here your entire life or recently retired and moved here from another state, there are so many ways to take advantage of all the amazing activities and resources available for older adults in the Charleston area. The senior center in Mount Pleasant and the city of Charleston recreation centers are good places to start that offer events and programming tailored to the interests of residents who are 55 and plus.
From swimming and pickleball to nature outings and volunteer opportunities, discover a plethora of options for living your best life in the Lowcountry..
